Auction Block: 1956 Porsche 356A Training Chassis

The Porsche 356A was (and still is) a remarkable automobile. Truly, it has stood the test of time to become one of the most beloved cars ever imagined. It’s so legendary, in fact, that even stripped of its outer shell, it’s still a mechanical masterpiece. Take, for instance, this 1956 356A training chassis — which is actually headed to auction courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.

Originally used by New York distributor Hoffman Motors, this impressive and functional rig served to teach mechanics the inner workings of Porsche’s designs. In fact, it was built specially with unique mechanical features — like a VW-type suspension with thrusted ball bearings on the left side and a reinforced type with tapered roller bearings on the right — to illustrate both early and later designs on a single vehicle. Even with its quirks, however, the car is still completely drivable, thanks in no small part to a painstaking 11-year restoration. With as many of the original parts intact as possible and a few additions for safety (like a car horn and bumpers), this marvelous piece of automotive history could be yours, assuming you’ve got $100,000-$150,000 to spend.